Nine Game Companies Face EU Consumer Probe Over In-Game Currency Tactics

Consumer watchdogs across Europe have banded together to target nine video-game makers over how they handle virtual currency. Titles including Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga and Clash of Clans are now under examination for suspected breaches of EU consumer rules.

The effort is being coordinated through the European Commission's Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, which brings together national enforcement bodies. It intensifies a conflict that earlier discussions with the gaming sector could not settle.

European consumer authorities are investigating 9 video game companies, including France's Ubisoft, over concerns their in-game virtual currencies might be violating users' rights, EU says https://t.co/YGUB67DiVQ

— Daily Sabah (@DailySabah) October 2, 2026

Areas Under Investigation

On October 1, Ireland's Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) publicised the initiative. The firms concerned are Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell and Ubisoft.

Additional games being scrutinised are Valorant, For Honor, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Mech Arena and Gardenscapes.

The CCPC states that the review covers seven topics.

• Prices displayed in actual money
• Virtual currency exchanges that obscure item costs
• Pressure tactics to buy more currency than progression requires
• Full information provided before checkout
• The 14-day withdrawal right, including for unused currency
• Terms and conditions that are fair and easy to understand
• Protections for children and vulnerable consumers

Separately, the CPC Network is dealing with Microsoft-owned Activision Blizzard over Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty.

This inquiry reaches deeper. It also looks at collection of personal data, features that could be addictive, parental controls, advertising directed at minors and suspension of accounts.

Why In-Game Currency Is Now in the Crosshairs

A year ago, the CPC Network entered discussions with organisations representing the worldwide gaming sector, but authorities deemed the results insufficient for consumers.

Consequently, the network performed a comprehensive market investigation, which singled out the titles currently being examined.

“Millions of consumers across Europe play video games many of which are children. Consumers should be able to enjoy these games without being misled about costs, pressured into making purchases, or left unclear about their rights,” Geoffrey Gray, Commission Member at the CCPC, said.

Back in March 2025, the network issued guidelines on virtual currencies. It also took measures against Star Stable Entertainment, the creator of a horse-riding game favoured by children.

This new step expands that policy from one children's game to several major gaming franchises. EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath has made clear Brussels looks for adherence.

“The game must be fair, and the rules must be respected,” McGrath said.

Firms that do not resolve these issues may encounter enforcement from national regulators. There has been no announcement of a timeframe or sanctions.